Immigration

ABSTRACT

An educational board game characterized by individual squares, which imitate immigrants&#39; life experience and the path traveled by them prior to acquiring citizenship. The board game having a plurality of blocks of same spaces therein of varying questions as well as instructions and comments making up the whole board. The said game having been developed for people of all educational background may be used for acquiring fundamental skills of history and government pertinent to passing the naturalization and citizenship exam.

[0001] The player's objective is to become a citizen while basicallyeducate the audience on the relevant issues on the road tocitizenship/naturalization. In addition, accustom the players with theHistory and Government knowledge applicable to a successful completionof the real life citizenship/naturalization test.

[0002] By subsequent instructions on the board and cards, players canalso experience a few of life's conditions survived by some immigrants.

[0003] My hope subsequent to playing this game is that people who wishto naturalize or just test their knowledge of history and governmentmight realize few things that may inhibit their success and thus improveon them prior to facing INS (Immigration & Naturalization Service).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] IMMIGRATION to a degree illustrates my individual experience inthe US. From the moment I arrived to the time I naturalized. TheImmigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is a capable agency ofdouble edge sword. Whilst some people are pleased by their knowledge ofthe organization, others endure disturbing nightmares. The latter istrue of me. I became entangled in the mesh of the agency's web as aconsequence of my failure to timely renew my alien registration card(Green Card) while serving in the US Merchant Marines.

[0005] Ultimately I was arrested and placed in detention (deportationproceedings). I was locked up in a cold cell in the dead of winter whereI had plenty of time to think about my foolishness. Eight shiveringhours later I was released after exhaustive investigation was conductedand it was indeed learned that I was at sea all the time and could nothave possibly come ashore. After I was released from detention, Iliterally ran straight to the INS office, which was about four blocksaway, and had my status adjusted as well as filed an application fornaturalization. Two years later I became a citizen and realized thebeginning of the rest of my life. My inspiration to design this “game”is in an effort to promote public understanding of immigration policythrough education.

[0006] With deepest humility I understand that my ordeal might bebeneath comparison to the experience some may have endured, however, weall share the same initial shock of the possibility of being deported.

[0007] My desire for IMMIGRATION is that it functions as an educationaland fun game for many reasons:

[0008] To stimulate the paths of immigrants' life.

[0009] To enlighten on applicable History and Government relevant tocitizenship/naturalization.

[0010] To create an implicit environment whereby players can gain somevaluable understanding of the historical and political knowledge of ourgreat nation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0011] Refer to the drawing on page 4

[0012] #1 Symbolizes government building as used in this drawing toillustrate history and government questions.

[0013] #2 Gavel of justice depicting the Justice Department

[0014] #3 Application for Naturalization.

[0015] #4 Patrol car to indicate Border Patrol.

[0016] #5 Arrows to direct which path the players must follow.

[0017] #6 Family: this indicates family unity.

[0018] #7 A figure in detention: depicts an alien inDetention/Deportation holding unit subsequent to apprehension.

[0019] #8 A man carrying suitcases indicates the opportunity to travel.

[0020] #9 Eagle insignia indicating where a player may take a CHALLENGEin the Citizenship/Naturalization Test.

[0021] #10 Alien Registration Receipt Card (Green Card) is an evident ofthe player's immigrant's status as used in this game.

THE GAME RULE

[0022] The game can be played by anyone between the ages of 8 years toadult.

[0023] Numbers of players varies between 2 to 8 players.

[0024] The game contains:

[0025] 1 board

[0026] 226 cards

[0027] 8 tokens

[0028] 2 dice.

[0029] The aim of the game is to acquaint the players with some basicknowledge necessary to being citizens, either by implication of birth orthrough naturalization. The players must first complete at least onecycle on the board to enjoy “immigration benefits.” To naturalize, thecontender must have received a “Green Card,” alien registration card andposses an application for naturalization. Then, he/she must land in theCitizenship/Naturalization (Start/Finish) SQUARE or take a challenge towin the game.

[0030] Example: If a player has not made a complete turn and lands on ablock for “Green Card”, he/she will not receive the card since therequirement has not been met!

[0031] Starting the Game:

[0032] Each player throws two dice with the highest contending numberstarting first and proceed clockwise. The beginning point is theSTART/FINISH SQUARE ending at the same square or by means of asuccessful CHALLENGE. Each player will advance the number thrown on theboard and follow the instructions on the landed squares.

[0033] Descriptions of the Board:

[0034] Dimensions: 20″×20″

[0035] There are 61 squares (cf. drawing & details on p4)

[0036] A. Employment Authorized Receive Your “Green Card”

[0037] If a player land on this block, he/she may receive a “Green Card”when at least a completed cycle on the board has been made. Aregistration receipt card (Green Card) is necessary prior to grantingapplication for citizenship/naturalization. Nonetheless, you are notpermitted to have more than one “Green Card.” But in instances of a lossof your “Green Card” for any reason, it is possible to obtain a“replacement” when landed in that square again.

[0038] B. Application for Naturalization

[0039] Upon landing in this square, the player may apply forcitizenship/naturalization provided he/she has a “Green Card”, and thenpick a card for “Application for Citizenship/Naturalization,” (keep bothcards until the game is won).

[0040] If you should lose your “Green Card” for any reason, you mustsurrender your application for naturalization as well.

[0041] C. Citizenship/Naturalization (Start/Finish)

[0042] When a player lands on this square and already has a “Green Card”as well as an “Application for Citizenship/Naturalization” card, he/shewins the game without having to take additional tests!

[0043] D. INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service)

[0044] When a player lands on this square, he/she must pick an “INS”card and read it out-loud, follow the instructions on the card andreplace the card at the bottom of the same stack of cards.

[0045] E. History & Government

[0046] When a player lands in this block, he/she must pick a History &Government question card and without peeping at the questions, hand itto the player to his/her right to be read.

[0047] Wrong Answer

[0048] Move back one block and follow the instructions in that square.

[0049] Correct Answer

[0050] History & Government: Remain where you are. Do not replay and putthe card back at the bottom of the same stack of cards.

[0051] Expelled!

[0052] When a player is expelled (lands in the EXPELLED square), he/shewill be ejected from the game. However, an Amnesty Card may serve as aredeeming tool to remain in the game.

[0053] F. Notice to Appear

[0054] When a player lands on this block, he/she has an order to showcause why deportation proceedings should not be initiated. The playermust pick a “Notice to appear” card and read the verdict out-loud. Goodluck! Replace the card at the bottom of the same stack of cards.

[0055] G. Go to Caution

[0056] When a player lands on this square, he/she must follow theinstructions on the board and proceed down the inner blocks. The cautionis simply a warning on circumventing the IMMIGRATION laws. You can beejected from the game in the process. (Only the Amnesty Card can saveyou.)

[0057] H. Detention and Deportation/Visitation

[0058] If a player lands on this square by the throw of dice, he/she isin visitation. However, should the player be instructed to proceed toDetention and Deportation, he/she can only be released in 2 ways:

[0059] 1. By presenting an Amnesty Card. The player is able to continuethe game after losing a turn.

[0060] 2. By throwing a 6 on one of the two dice. The other die countsthe distance the player must advance on the board.

[0061] Example: the player throws a 6 and 3. With the 6, he/she isreleased from Detention and Deportation and 3 counts the number ofspaces to be proceeded on the blocks.

[0062] Concerning Others Squares

[0063] Follow the instructions on the board.

[0064] Classification of Cards:

[0065] There are six (6) categories of cards:

[0066] “Notice to Appear”

[0067] “INS”

[0068] “History and government”

[0069] “Applications for Citizenship/Naturalization”

[0070] “Citizenship/Naturalization Challenge”

[0071] “Green Card”

[0072] Notice to Appear Cards

[0073] There are 20 “Notice to Appear” cards with differentinstructions:

[0074] Go to Detention and Deportations (2 cards)

[0075] Lose your Green Card (2 cards)

[0076] Return to Customs inspection (4 cards)

[0077] Stay where you are (4 cards)

[0078] Free Turn (4 cards)

[0079] Go back to start (4 cards)

[0080] INS Cards

[0081] There are 41 “INS” cards with different instructions:

[0082] Free Turn (6 cards)

[0083] Pick a “Notice to Appear” card (6 cards)

[0084] Amnesty (3 cards)

[0085] Go to Detention and Deportation (2 cards)

[0086] Stay where you are (6 cards)

[0087] Lose your turn (6 cards)

[0088] Move back 2 blocks (6 cards)

[0089] Advance 2 blocks (6 cards)

[0090] History and Government

[0091] There are 115 questions on History and Government

[0092] Application for Citizenship/Naturalization

[0093] There are 8 applications for Citizenship/Naturalization cards

[0094] Citizenship/Naturalization Challenge

[0095] 34 cards (3 part question) on History & Government

[0096] Green Card

[0097] There are 8 Green Cards

[0098] Explanation of Some Cards

[0099] Amnesty

[0100] This is a relief provided by IMMIGRATION to prevent the removalof certain players “aliens” from the “country” (the game).

[0101] If you pick this card, you may keep it as a way of getting out ofDetention and Deportation or being ejected. The card is redeemable onlyonce.

[0102] Lose your Green Card

[0103] When a player receives this card, it means he/she may havecommitted a deportable offense. As a result the player loses his/herGreen Card as well as the Application for Citizenship/Naturalization ifit's in his/her possession. However, if the player doesn't have a GreenCard, he/she must advance to detention and & deportation until able toget out.

1) A game consisting of a square playing board surface divided intoseveral playing sections of 61 smaller squares. The said game includes226 cards, 8 tokens and 2 dice. 2) A game according to claim 1,characterized by 61 small squares of about 1.8″×1.8″ in dimension. Theyare distinguished by different headings, symbols and colors. 3) The 61small squares according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by 40 smallsquares, which are along the boundary line, and 21 small squares on theinside and connected to the squares along the baseline. 4) The smallsquares according to claim 3, characterized by a start/finish square, afingerprint/photograph square, a return to fingerprint/photographsquare, a border patrol square, a go to border patrol square, adetention/visitation square, a go to detention square, an advance toLiberty Island square, a Liberty Island square, an advance to AngelIsland square, an Angel Island square, a go to Homeland Security square,a Homeland Security square, three Overstays squares, a CustomsInspection square, a Presidents Day square, a Travel Violation square, aTravel Authorized square, two Go to Caution squares, a Caution square,two New Immigrant squares, a Visa Lottery Winner square, an InvalidPassport square, a Welcome to the U.S square, an Immigrants' RightsCenter square, a Status Expires square, an H1-B visa square, anEmployment Without Authorization square, a Petition for Family square,26 squares of which you pick a card on landing (eleven of which Historyand Government cards are picked, seven of which I.N.S cards are picked,four of which Notice to Appear cards are picked, two of whichApplication for Naturalization cards are picked and two of whichNaturalization and Citizenship challenge cards are picked), a return tostart square and an expelled square. 5) A game according to claim 1,characterized by 226 cards in total, comprising of 20 Notice to Appearcards, 41 I.N.S cards, 115 History and Government cards, 8 applicationfor Citizenship and Naturalization cards, 34 Citizenship/Naturalizationchallenge cards and 8 Green cards. 6) The Notice to Appear cardsaccording to claim 5, characterized by the Gavel symbol, color red andincludes a verdict which states why deportation proceedings should notbe initiated. 7) The I.N.S cards according to claim 5, characterized bythe Eagle head symbol, the color blue and includes instructionspertaining to your next move when you land on any of the I.N.Slocations. 8) The History and Government cards according to claim 5,characterized by the U.S Capitol building, color yellow and includesquestions about the United States history and government related Issues.9) The Application for Citizenship/Naturalization card according toclaim 5, characterized by the signature hand symbol and it servesbasically as an application form for your citizenship/naturalization.10) The Citizenship/Naturalization challenge card according to claim 5,characterized by the Eagle Insignia, color light blue and includes thecitizenship/naturalization test. 11) The Green card according to claim5, characterized by an identification card look alike, green in colorand it serves as the green card. 12) A game according to claim 1,characterized by 8 tokens, which are symbols of respect and pride forthe American culture and they are: i. The Statue of Liberty. ii. TheEmpire State building. iii. The White house. iv. The Mayflower boat v.The American flag. vi. The Gavel. vii. The U.S Capitol building. viii.The Police car.